We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
